Jochem Paap's first album as Speedy J was released on Plus 8 in 1990, and yet he continues to interact with electronic music with the curiosity and productivity that one would expect from those new to the game. His long and varied career is dotted with important stages: fundamental electronic albums in the *Artificial Intelligence* series on Warp Records and on Planet Mu, epic ambient productions on FAX +49-69/450464 Records, and an incessant wave of 12 inches of sharp techno on almost all the most iconic techno labels.

Despite these achievements, Paap's musical present is just as interesting. Through his label *Electric Deluxe*, he promotes some of the most daring variations of current techno, with artists such as AnD, Clouds and JK Flesh who have entrusted Paap with their most ambitious album projects.

On stage, Paap has long been a champion of hybridization, a philosophy rooted in the DNA of techno as progressive and experimental music. Embracing the limitless possibilities of musical technology, the lines between live performance and DJing have blurred for Paap, who navigates between stand-alone tracks and improvisation with hardware. This approach also defines his collaborations on stage: the Collabs project with Chris Liebing, Zeitgeber with Lucy and Multiples with Surgeon. In every situation, Paap and his traveling companions use their sharp instinct for experimental techno and 360-degree technical knowledge to deliver visceral experiences. His *Electric Deluxe Presents* events are also an extension of his artistic vision and that of his label's roster, gathering high-profile lineups in places ranging from Sonar to Berghain, from Detroit to New York, and of course across the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, STOOR is a bold new initiative that includes a studio and label based in Rotterdam, where Paap opens its doors to established and emerging artists, allowing them to immerse themselves in a highly technological environment to bring to life any type of creative outcome. Among the results of the sessions that take place, there are collaborative issues printed on vinyl in a limited edition with an internal lathe. It is an innovative approach to creating and releasing music that celebrates the immediate moment, a present with which Paap has always been committed to continuously continuing into new fascinating sound worlds.